Best Midwest Coffeehouse Desserts

Mooselips Java Joint in Seeley, Wisconsin, is steeped in North Woods comfort. The former gas station draws customers to its cozy wood-paneled interior, heavy on moose in the decorating, for a morning cup of house blend coffee and fresh-from-the-oven goodies— including this delicious cheesecake. "The R&D Department here at Mooselips gives this a big thumbs up," says manager and baker Barb Grossi. "It's creamy, cool and not overpowered by the pumpkin or the spice."

Another Mooselips favorite is Pineapple Zucchini Bread, made with zucchini from owner Cindy Ferraro.

Muffins were meant to savor along with a cheering cup of morning coffee. Here are two of our own creations. A swirl of both cheesecake and brownies is delectable in Fudge Brownie Cheesecake Muffins, and a dab of lemon curd gives a burst of citrus flavor to Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.

These spiced softies are a top seller at Simon's Cafe and Catering in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They get a coating of sugar that bakes in for a sweet finish. Shortbread cookies are another customer favorite. "My shortbread recipe is excellent with any coffee drink," says Dan Kenyon, owner of Simon's. Dan and his wife, Theresa, bake all their treats from scratch. "Everyone is going to eat pastries or cookies sometime," Dan says. "It's better to have them be real, homemade and good."

At Delice European Bakery and Coffee Bar in Omaha's historic downtown Old Market area, Pastry Chef Heidi Schlict tempts customers with scones. "These scones are very versatile," Heidi says. "They are a great addition to any breakfast table, brunch or tea. Even a treat for a coffee break or after-school snack. Here, I use a base recipe and add various ingredients as the season or my cravings and whims dictate." She says the recipe doubles nicely if you're serving a crowd. There's a variation to please almost everyone.

In the trendy Westport area of Kansas City, Missouri, customers at Broadway Cafe and Roasting Company can taste samples of that day's baked goods, including frosted scones, biscotti, coffee cake and this moist Apple Cake. Each is the perfect accompaniment to coffee that owners Sara Honan and Jon Cates roast a few blocks away. A generous portion of chopped Granny Smith apples adds flavor and moisture to the Apple Cake. Be careful turning it out of the pan; it's a tender coffee cake.